Current CricX XI - 11/02/18

We're often asked to put together a "CricX XI" to play against various sides.

So, hypothetically, if we were to play a One-Day game in the UK this coming summer, we've selected a side based on player's already signed with clubs in 2018.

Some obvious selections, but a few decisions that could have gone either way. Check out the side below (and who they're set to play for in 2018). Let us know your thoughts!

Nipun Karunanayake (c) - Himley CC (Birmingham League) The skipper will open up and quite rightly so. His numbers, both home and abroad make him the obvious choice. The Bloomfield's captain sits sixth on Sri Lanka's Tier A first-class run charts this summer (608 runs at 40.53), following his second-place finish in 2016/17 (926 runs at 54.47). Nipun is set to return to the Birmingham League this summer, after topping the Division 1 batting averages for Himley in 2017 (856 runs at 61.14).

The former South African Under-19 all-rounder thoroughly deserves his opening spot, after his exploits for Wellington this summer. In his debut season for the Firebirds, the left-hander currently sits amongst the top five run-scorers in this summer's Ford Trophy, with 303 runs at 43.28, including his match-winning 108 against the Otago Volts.

Despite his Ranji Trophy exclusion, it's impossible to leave "KP" out of this line-up due to last season's run spree. The Mumbai run machine not only topped the GMCL run charts (1,136 runs at 87.38) but saw him top the CricX client 2017 season batting averages, not to mention 31 wickets at 15.42 for good measure.

The Pakistani all-rounder has been in sublime form in domestic cricket this season. He finished the recently concluded National One Day Cup as the competitions third leading run-scorer, hitting 522 runs for Rawalpindi with a Bradman-esq average of 104.40. Factor in his all-round performances for Sui Gas, in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy (735 runs at 38.68 and 20 wickets at 11.20), clearly, he was an automatic choice as one of our all-rounder's.

The explosive wicket-keeper batsman was one of Hobart Hurricane's shining lights in their Big Bash campaign. He finished sixth on the BBL run charts, hitting 325 runs at 36.11, with a strike rate of 138.29. His tally included his match-winning 30-ball 67* (6 x 6s) in the Semi-Final against the Scorchers. He also finished alongside Shane Watson, as the joint-fourth leading 6 hitter, hitting 15 tournament maximums. Ben will slot in at 5 in this order and don the gloves.

The former Sri Lankan Under-19 all-rounder is justifying his tag as one of Sri Lanka's hottest prospects this summer, courtesy of back-to-back hundreds this month. The in-form batsman has struck 591 runs at 53.72, under Nipun's captaincy at Bloomfield. Factor in his off-spin, which earned him the "Best Bowler" and "Best All-Rounder" awards at the most recent Dialog Cricket Awards for his 2016/17 U23 exploits, Ramesh joins Iftikhar as one of the sides three genuine spin bowling all-rounders.

He has been, without doubt, one of our star client's in recent years and he's enjoying another productive season for KZN Inland in first-class cricket this summer (350 runs at 31.81 and 18 wickets at 25.83). His genuine all-round skill set and proven UK success, for each of his 5 league sides, make Ruhan an automated selection. His 751 runs at 50.07 and 30 wickets at 18.40 have seen him retained by North Down for a second summer in 2018.

The diminutive all-rounder rounds out our spin bowling all-rounders and, his selection is absolutely justified courtesy of his first-class stats. This summer, he is ninth on Sri Lanka's first-class (Tier A) wicket charts with 43 poles at 20.44, to include 4 five wicket bags and 2 ten wicket match hauls, which featured his record-breaking 9 for 108. Dushan now boasts 109 wickets at 25.06 in 40 first-class games, alongside 1,645 runs at 24.19, with a highest score of 174.

The tall kiwi quick will share the new ball duties with former Blackcap Brent Arnel and, his spot is richly deserved after the season he's having. This summer, he topped the BK Super Smash wicket charts with 21 poles at 15.76. He is heading into the finals as the third leading wicket-taker in the Ford Trophy (13 wickets at 25.84). Ticks is one of the best white ball quicks in New Zealand domestic cricket right now.

The senior statesman will lead the CricX attack and quite rightly so. The former Blackcaps seamer boasts an incredible domestic record, particularly in the Plunket Shield with 382 wickets at 27.21. Fact in his UK numbers during his 3 years with Kent Premier outfit Beckenham (95 wickets at 15.49) and you have a fantastic leader of what is a very strong attack.

Every good side needs a gun left-arm spinner and in Mahela, you have one of the best tweakers in Sri Lanka. He has a proven record and, this summer, is the sixth leading wicket taker in Tier A with 47 wickets at 21.65 with a handful of 5 wicket bags. He is set to play his maiden UK stint in 2018 and we suspect he will set the NYSD alight!

Some fantastic players have narrowly missed the cut, but looking at the side above, it's a proper side and welcome your thoughts.

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